They started in 1993 by playing covers of Metallica, but once the concept became popular they wrote their own original works, maintaining the thrash metal influences on their albums Inquisition Symphony (mainly covers as well) and Cult. Since Reflections they have added drums to their recordings and live performances.
Members:
Eicca Toppinen - Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello
Paavo Lötjönen - Cello
Mikko Sirén - Drums
Former members:
Sami Kuoppamäki - Session Drums
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello (1995)
Antero Manninen – Cello (1996–1999, usually plays live)
Max Lilja – Cello (1996–2002, when he joined Hevein)
Dave Lombardo - Drums [session member] (2003-2004, from the band Slayer. Also contributed drums on the songs Betrayal/Forgiveness, Last Hope and 2010 from 7th Symphony)
Oh Holy Night
Apocalyptica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
The lyrics to the song "Oh Holy Night" by Apocalyptica are a beautiful and poignant rendition of the traditional Christmas carol. The lyrics speak of the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy and hope that it brings to a weary world. The opening lines "O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining" set the scene for the night of Christ's birth and the hopeful anticipation that fills the air.
The second line "It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth" speaks directly to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ came into the world to save humanity from sin and redeem them through his sacrifice on the cross. The next few lines "Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth" focus on the idea that the world was lost in its own sin and had no way of salvation until the appearance of Christ, who brought hope and redemption to humanity.
The final verse "Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease" speaks to the idea that the message of Christ's birth was not only for the redemption of humanity but also for the breaking down of unjust social hierarchies and the liberation of all people. Overall, the lyrics of "Oh Holy Night" are a moving testament to the message of hope and redemption that Christmas brings.
Line by Line Meaning
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
This is the holy night when Jesus Christ was born, and the stars above are brilliantly shining to commemorate it.
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Tonight is the special night when the dear Savior, Jesus Christ, is born in Bethlehem.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
For a long time, the world was immersed in sin and wrong belief, desperately hoping for salvation.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
But when Jesus appeared, the soul instantly realized its true value and worth by having faith in Him.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
The whole world that had grown tired and hopeless not only felt joy but was ecstatic to find inner peace having received hope through Christ.
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
The dawn of a new, magnificent era is breaking before us.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Kneel before Jesus Christ and listen intently for the blessed angels' whispers celebrating His birth.
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
This is the heavenly night, unique and beyond imagination, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered the mortal world.
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O what a holy night this is, that brings divinity to Earth with Jesus Christ's blessed birth!
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother.
Jesus will break the chains of slavery and bring freedom for all, including our brothers and sisters who were enslaved.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
The power of Jesus' name will end all forms of oppression that existed in the world until now.
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
This is the night of sheer divinity, the night when Jesus Christ was born on Earth.
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
What a glorious, holy night it is! We praise and celebrate the divinity that enlightens the night of Jesus Christ's birth!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
Once again, it is declared that the night in which Jesus Christ was born is holy and divine, receiving the highest praise.
Contributed by Grace W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.